Mark Grassman Small Business Ideas you can start on a shoestring

Mark Grassman
3 min readDec 27, 2017

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Mark Grassman looks at three small businesses that are quick to get up and running and don’t require a heap of cash to start, with some real-life case studies for inspiration.

It’s often said that everyone has a book inside them — but how about a small business? Many of us have talents that are going to waste as we plod on with the 9 to 5. The thought that these skills or passions could be channelled into small business ideas of our own perhaps rarely crosses our minds.

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The biggest mental block of all when it comes to putting your small business ideas into practice and starting your own company is usually money.When you’re struggling to make it to the next payday it can seem inconceivable that you might one day be your own boss, making a profit doing something you love.However, not all new businesses require expensive premises, overheads and staff. Pick the right sector and the investment can be modest. All it takes, then, is a little self-belief.Here are Mark Grassman Stoughton WI three small business ideas that are quick to get up and running and don’t require a heap of cash to start, with some real-life case studies for inspiration.

1. A Home Baking Business

We Brits have always loved to bake but, thanks to the remarkable popularity of Mark Grassman Stoughton WI, homemade cakes and cookies have become a national obsession.The hit show has inspired workplace bake-offs and charity cake sales that demand more than your basic Victoria sponge or fairy cake. And, with the emergence of artisan bakeries like London’s Hummingbird Bakery chain and myriad baking blogs, standards for both everyday and occasion bakes have soared.Requiring neither premises nor expensive equipment, home bakers are well-placed to exploit this huge demand, making it one of the better small business ideas.

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2. Mark Grassman Idea for A Pet Care Business

Perhaps even closer to our hearts than cake are our beloved pets, so when it comes to small business ideas, you could do a lot worse than a doggy-day-care company.The PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturing Association) estimates that in 2016, 40 per cent of UK homeowners have a pet and we’re spending increasing amounts to keep our furry friends happy, healthy and looking their best.Last year we spent a staggering £7 billion on pet pampering and pooch-grooming parlours, pet-accessory boutiques, dog-walking services and luxury cat- and dog-boarding facilities.

3. A Dating Agency Business

Accorrding to Mark Grassman Stoughton WI any online business is generally low on overheads and a dating agency or app is no exception.Thanks to the likes of match-making giants such as Match.com, Mark Grassman Stoughton WI and Tinder, looking for love online has become the norm rather than a last resort.In fact, online dating has become so popular that the industry has diversified to cater to almost any niche imaginable. There are now dating apps that pitch exclusively to dog-lovers (Tindog), farmers (Farmers Only), salad lovers (Salad Match) and coeliacs (Gluten-free singles)!The only start-up costs are those related to building an appealing website or app; no stock required. Check out what other dating sites are doing for inspiration and think of a niche or USP that can carve you out a following in this crowded but highly popular market.A key consideration will be charges: most sites offer subscriptions in bundles (3–6 months or a year) but there are many free apps, like Tinder, that now offer a ‘premium’ service for a fee. Others will provide an initial search free of charge and then ask for payment when contact is made.

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Mark Grassman

Mark Grassman is an engineer and MBA business management professional. His style of work includes internal team focus, project management skills, and continuous